Mo. Gov. Nixon Remains Opposed to Tax Legislation

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon says he remains opposed to a bill that would raise the state sales tax while cutting income taxes for individuals and businesses. Nixon released a statement Thursday saying that a sales tax increase would shift the tax burden to seniors and veterans on fixed incomes. He said it "is not the right approach to growing our economy or creating jobs." His reaction comes after the House passed a bill Wednesday that would gradually cut the individual income tax by two-thirds of a percentage point over five years while also reducing business taxes. To offset part of the lost revenue, the bill would gradually raise the sales tax by three-fifths of a cent. Nixon also had opposed an earlier version of the bill passed by the Senate.